Washington/Ozaukee County Chapter

Local volunteers developed the first segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Washington County in 1977, but the Washington/Ozaukee County Chapter was not established until 1987. The Chapter currently has approximately 200 members. We are responsible for preserving and protecting the 45-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IANST) corridor in Washington County. Our volunteers build and maintain segments of the IANST between New Fane (on the border of Fond du Lac County) and Monches (on the border of Waukesha County). We regularly sponsor meetings, hikes, & trail improvement days, as well as socials and outreach events.

Fund a Foot for Your Feet

In 2018 the Washington/Ozaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance will build a 570-foot boardwalk across a natural wetland. The boardwalk will be located between Pleasant Hill Rd and East Waterford Rd just east of Hwy K. Learn more about how you can support this project by clicking here, and be sure to share on Facebook! If you’re not comfortable using “gofundme”, you can send your contribution to the Ice Age Trail Alliance directly. The mailing address is PO Box 128, Cross Plains, WI 53528. Please let them know that you would like your donation to go toward the IATA Washington/Ozaukee County Chapter “boardwalk fund”.

We would like to congratulate one of our long-time volunteers, Bob Broman, for receiving the Crew Leader Emeritus Award from the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Bob has dedicated many years of his life in the role of crew leader for the Chapter and also a Mobile Skills Crew member, participating in statewide and local trail improvement projects. His commitment and friendship has made Bob a valuable and respected leader in the organization.

Chapter Meetings

The Chapter meets at 6:30pm at the West Bend Riverside Park Pavilion on the second Tuesday of the month, with the exceptions of July, August and December. Click here for driving directions. Watch for yellow “Ice Age Trail Event” signs. Our speakers at the most meetings are typically Thousand-Milers, who have completed the entire IANST, people who share their hiking-related presentations (e.g., on the geology of the Kettle Moraine) or individuals working for environmental organizations.

Hikes

Guided hikes are one of our favorite events that we sponsor. Some of them include a Candlelight Hike/Ski at Pike Lake in February, a National Trails Day hike in June, and a Fall Colors Hike in October. Other guided hikes on every trail segment are offered from March through November, highlighted by two moonlight hikes each year.

“Meander the Mid-Moraine” Hiking Award Program

Our Meander the Mid-Moraine hiking award program challenges hikers to complete the entire 45-mile IANST corridor through Washington County. Download the program brochure [PDF] to learn how you can join the newly minted Meanderers. You can also view a list of those who have completed the program (Meanderers [PDF]).

Hike Coordinators and Leaders

We can always use people who are willing to coordinate and lead hikes. We have seen a steady increase in the number of hiking participants recently, and we are looking for help with organizing hikes, educating people on plant life and geological formations along the Trail, and answering questions that may arise. Two of our most popular hikes, the First Day Hike, on January 1st of every year, and the National Trails Day Hike, which always takes place on the first Saturday in June, are in need of coordinators. If you enjoy exploring the Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest area and sharing your knowledge of the great outdoors, please consider becoming a volunteer hike leader. Training will be provided.

We are working collaboratively with the Volunteer Center of Washington County. You can go to their website to check out other volunteer opportunities.

Local Partnerships

Our Chapter promotes the IANST by building relationships with a variety of local organizations. If you are interested in becoming a partner of the Washington/Ozaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance, contact our Chapter Coordinator. We welcome the opportunity to bring our volunteers and promotional materials to any outreach event that is environment or community focused. Please contact us if you have an event you would like us to participate in.

Contact Us

For more information on Chapter activities and/or hiking the IANST in this region, feel free to contact one of our chapter officers or email us.